The untold derby- Argentina’s Clásico Rosarino | MUNDIAL MORNINGS

between Rosario Central and Newell’s Old Boys is too often swept under the rug and lost in the shadows to big boys Boca Juniors and River Plate.

Little do people outside Argentina know, it’s a rivalry which has existed for over 100 years.

The first derby was played in 1905 where Old Boys ended victorious winning 1-0.

Gigante de Arroyito- Rosario’s stadium in the 1970′s

Gigante de Arroyito- Rosario’s stadium in 2016

The hatred between these cross-town rivals grows deeper than your average football rivalry.

The colourful spectacle has displayed some of the most fiery of games, and is notorious for its history of violence with opposing fans and police.

The history draws upon a long line of generations where football has been forever in their blood and hearts from birth.

It’s no wonder a sold out stadium in the thousands showed up on valentines day to show their love for their football team.

As the Newell Old Boys step onto opposing TURF, Rosario fans roar in a deafening manner at the away side. It’s a war of words that would have your local A-League side banned by the FFA for vulgar profanity.

Rosario fans light up the stadium with a sea of yellow banners, flags, flares and visuals.

It’s always a nervy start for both teams as neither side wants to be the man that makes the crucial mistake.

Despite the strong start from Newell’s, the home side gain momentum and start to dominate possession.

After multiple missed chances, Rosario breakthrough with a goal from Larrondo which sends the fans into a wave of hysteria.

As the game draws to an end, the tension begins to grow and so do the tired bodies and wayward outstretched tackles.

A second yellow is given to

Escobar who is whistled off by the home fans after making a silly tackle in the midfield.

It opens up the play for Rosario to score a goal in the 90th, and put the cherry on the cake against their bitter rivals.

Someone is always accountable when your team is humiliated in a derby, especially in the Clásico Rosarino. This time it was the Newell’s manager who fell victim to the harsh reality of derby days.

Former A.S Monaco player Lucas Bernardi succumbed to the pressure, stepping down after only two games in charge for Old Boys.

I got a taste for the Argentinian passion when I reported at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. This is what I experienced…